Digital wallets gain ground but tradition and sentimental value of envelopes still hold strong
PETALING JAYA: Hari Raya is all about forgiveness, family and feasting. For generations, no celebration felt complete without the tradition of handing out duit raya – the crisp cash notes tucked neatly into envelopes. But times are changing.
With digital wallets and QR payments now part of daily life, more Malaysians are swapping paper notes for a quick scan and not everyone is thrilled.
The age-old debate is back – does duit raya still belong in physical form, or is the tradition quietly being rewritten in digital ink?
A survey conducted last December by Ipsos, a global market research firm, shows that Malaysia’s shift towards a cashless society is more than just talk. Nearly three in five Malaysians now use digital payments, with real-time transfers and QR codes becoming part of everyday life, especially among younger adults.
Data from the Department of Statistics Malaysia also shows that the nation’s digital payment sector is booming. Electronic money transactions hit RM21.5 billion in May 2025, up 70% from the previous year.
For Ahmad Rushaidi Ahmad Rasman, 30, QR is convenient – but it feels hollow.
“Honestly, I don’t mind giving duit raya via QR. No need to go out and get the money, I can send it to people all over Malaysia in a few taps. But it’s not really the essence of Raya, right? Kids nowadays won’t get the thrill of opening a packet. When I was small, receiving duit raya was what Raya was all about. It’s the one cultural memory we always cherish.”
For older generations, the physical envelope is “sacred”.
Zarina Muzalman, 50, says the tradition is about more than just money.
“Duit raya is about the handover, the handshake, the smile. A QR transfer? It’s too cold and just (looking through) a screen. How can a scan replace the excitement on a child’s face when receiving their packets?”
Some see a middle ground. Nur Hanim Marissa Mohd Jaafar, 27, gives envelopes to younger relatives and QR transfers to older cousins and friends.
“For kids, it’s fun to hold the physical notes. For adults, QR is easier and they don’t mind not receiving physical money. Tradition doesn’t have to disappear, it can adapt.”
Even teens are pragmatic. Mohd Amir Ariff, 18, says he doesn’t care whether it’s cash or QR, as the message of gratitude is what matters.
Technology can enhance the experience rather than replace it, he said.
Many finance applications now let users send duit raya digitally with fun features, integrating QR codes and phone numbers.
Johana Zulaikha Rizal, 29, says blending tech with tradition brings out the best of both worlds.
“I’ve seen colleagues who incorporate physical cards with QR codes, giving a modern twist to a traditional touch. Take Touch ‘n Go eWallet’s yearly Raya feature for example. You can set an amount, add a personal message and share it via WhatsApp, a link or QR code.
“You can even randomise amounts for extra fun. It’s such a clever feature and it keeps the magic of giving alive.”
Johana said the giving duit raya is not disappearing but evolving.
“Keeping the spirit of Raya alive for the old and young alike should not be reduced to a debate over envelopes or QR codes but about preserving the true essence of giving. The form may change, but the meaning doesn’t have to.”
